In this episode of the Sustainable Ambassador Podcast, we speak with with Ivonne Bojoh, CEO of Circle Economy, about the circular economy and her journey from a career in entrepreneurship and innovation to leading a global impact organization focused on the circular economy.
It is a conversation that starts with a framing of circularity, its practical application, and the systemic challenges that must be overcome to achieve a truly circular economy before focusing in on her own career transition.
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Timestamps:
00:00 - Introduction to the podcast and guest, Ivonne Bojoh, CEO of Circular Economy.
01:15 - Ivonne’s background and the mission of Circular Economy: Championing circular solutions and empowering industries, cities, and nations.
02:20 - Defining the circular economy: Designing out waste, extending product lifecycles, and addressing systemic challenges.
03:13 - Barriers to progress in circularity: Consumer awareness, product design for profit, policy gaps, and financial limitations.
04:47 - Discussion on consumer vs. producer responsibility: Who should drive change?
06:24 - Real-world examples: Plastic water bottles and the need for holistic product design.
07:41 - Insights from the Circularity Gap Report: Declining circularity despite increased conversation and policy adoption.
10:37 - The importance of a socially just transition: Balancing waste reduction with economic and social considerations.
12:29 - Catalyzing change: The role of crises, mindset shifts, policy, and technology.
14:02 - Innovations energizing the circular economy: EU policies, financial pledges, and stewardship over ownership.
16:24 - Ivonne’s career transition: From entrepreneurship to sustainability, inspired by changes in Southeast Asia and a desire to address global issues.
ABOUT IVONNE
I joined Circle Economy Foundation because it provides data-centred analyses, capacity development, and tools to the private and public sector to enable the implementation of circular strategies, bringing theory into action.
My generation has the knowledge and the experience to be leaders in the transformation to a just & safe world. It's our responsibility to secure a sustainable future for generations to come. I envision a future where all companies take social responsibility. Companies will thrive because they care for their environment, their people, and their community. Their business model considers externalities. Their KPIs include social and environmental impact, and their shareholders uphold the same values.
My BHAG is to transform 10000 companies, 1000 cities and 100 nations. What is yours?
FOLLOW IVONNE
Website: www.circle-economy.com
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/ivonnebojoh
About Collective Responsibility
Based in Shanghai, Collective Responsibility is a strategic advisory firm founded by Richard Brubaker, one of Asia’s most recognized authorities on sustainability, innovation and responsible leadership.
Founded with the fundamental belief that a sustainable world can only be achieved through awareness of issues, finding tangibility in business cases, and development of cross-sector collaboration, Collective Responsibility acts as a knowledge base, catalyst, and facilitator between stakeholders.
Our mission is to:
- Create a knowledge base and catalyze discussion of issues related to the development of civil society, business sustainability and social development in Asia.
- Develop tangible interests, engagement, and action on issues of sustainability (economic, environmental and societal).
- Develop organizational capacity with the aim to help create stable and profitable enterprises.
Follow Us:
Website: www.coresponsibility.com
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/collective-responsibility
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Contact Us:
Social@coresponsibility.com